Aerodynamic clothing

ABSTRACT

An athletic jersey or speed suit containing a winged element to reduce drag associated with resistance from a fluid passing over the body of an athlete wearing the jersey when participating in an athletic event. The winged element is defined by material that extends from along the arm of the athletic clothing to the torso of the athletic clothing. In specific embodiments, the winged element is continuous. In another embodiment, the winged element connects from a portion the arm of the athletic clothing to a portion of the torso area, such that a winged element is created, but it is not continuous along the torso and arm of the athletic clothing. In specific embodiments, the winged element is made from a flexible fabric material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/345,104 filed May 15, 2010,which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In an attempt to achieve greater speeds in a wide variety of sports,attention has been focused on overcoming, or in other words limiting,the adverse effects of wind resistance. On the racing front, less windresistance for a given driving force translates to faster speeds. As aresult, Indy cars and drivers have incorporated aerodynamic advancesinto car and helmet design. For instance, one type of aerodynamic deviceutilized is a splayed-open-V-shaped vortex generator, which has beenincorporated into Indy car frames and driver helmets to enhance theirrespective aerodynamics. These vortex generators, which are employed ona surface over which air passes, project outward from that surface andare oriented with the point of the V-shaped generator directed into thepassing air. However, to date, the use of this aerodynamic device ortechnology has been limited.

In speed athletics, for example cycling, swimming, skiing and speedskating, the athlete creates a turbulent wake when displacing fluid tomove forward. By way of example, as the air is forced to flow around acyclist, a low-pressure region is created behind the cyclist. With ahigh-pressure region in front, and a low-pressure region behind thecyclist, the cyclist is pulled back by the low-pressure region. Theturbulent wake creates an aerodynamic drag that comprises air pressureand surface friction (or skin friction) drags. The pressure dragincreases as a square of the cyclist's velocity and the power requiredto overcome the pressure drag increases as the cube of the cyclist'svelocity.

In addition to equipment advances, clothing advancements have alsoimproved the aerodynamics of speed sports. For example, cyclistscurrently wear tight fitting clothing to try and reduce any loose fabricwhich would “catch” the wind and increase the drag coefficient of thecyclist. While a focus on reducing the drag coefficient is not of anyparticular concern for purely casual bicycling or commuting by bicycle,it can be critical in competitive cycling situations. While the aboveimprovements are a step toward enhancing aerodynamics, additionalimprovements continue to be sought to optimize performance.

In an attempt to achieve greater speeds in a wide variety of sports,attention has been focused on overcoming or limiting the adverse effectsof wind resistance. Compared to a bicycle, the cyclist presents a muchgreater surface area profile to the oncoming air and, therefore, agreater aerodynamic drag. In addition to assuming an aerodynamicposition, the cyclist can reduce aerodynamic surface friction drag bywearing more aerodynamic apparel. When in an aerodynamic or “tucked”position, the cyclists' shoulders and upper arms create the most airturbulence and therefore substantially contribute to the aerodynamicdrag. Reducing the turbulence created by the cyclists' shoulders andupper arms can substantially reduce the aerodynamic drag. Standardportions of a cycling jersey that create and/or contribute to drag arethe portions of sleeves about the cyclists' arms, portions of the jerseyabout the rib cage, abdomen, chest, and neck of the cyclist. Lessfrictional drag translates to faster speeds and greater efficiency ofmovement. Thus, there is a desire for more aerodynamic sports apparelthat can lead an athlete to greater efficiency and faster speeds withoutsignificant increases in power output by minimizing the surface frictiondrag and/or pressure drag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides athletic clothing that covers at leastpart of the torso of an athlete and has aerodynamically-enhancedfeatures that reduce aerodynamic drag on the athlete, for example whenthe athlete is positioned in the aerodynamic, “time trial” or “tucked”position. The athletic clothing may be used for several speed sports,including speed skating, skiing, cycling and swimming.

When in an aerodynamic position, the region behind an athletes' tricepcreates turbulent air flow and therefore substantially contributes tothe pressure drag. Specific features and embodiments of the presentinvention reduce the turbulence created behind a cyclists' tricepregion, which can reduce the pressure drag and increase the speed of thecyclist. The present invention also reduces the pressure drag created inthe chest, abdomen, rib cage and neck areas of a cyclist.

One embodiment of the present invention provides anaerodynamically-enhanced article of clothing formed as a jersey andhaving a winged element, for covering at least a portion of the torso ofan athlete. The winged element is defined by material that extends fromalong the arm of the athletic clothing to the torso of the athleticclothing. In specific embodiments, the winged element is continuous. Inanother embodiment, the winged element connects from a portion the armof the athletic clothing to a portion of the torso area, such that awinged element is created, but it is not continuous along the torso andarm of the athletic clothing. In specific embodiments, the wingedelement is made from a flexible fabric material.

In specific embodiments, the athletic clothing includes pants attachedto the jersey, which pants extend along the leg of the athlete, to forma speed suit.

In specific embodiments, ribbed components that further assist withreducing drag are incorporated into the jersey or speed suit embodiment.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an aerodynamicmodule which is integrated into the clothing of a speed sport athlete,thereby improving the aerodynamics and consequently the performance ofthe speed sport athlete. Other advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, upright view of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of one embodiment of the invention inan aerodynamic position on a bicycle.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial frontal view of an embodiment of a speedsuit in an aerodynamic position on a bicycle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal view of an embodiment of the speed suit ofthe present invention in an aerodynamic position on a bicycle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a three-dimensional dimpled weave fabric pattern usedin certain preferred embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides athletic clothing that covers at leastpart of the torso of an athlete and has aerodynamically-enhancedfeatures that reduce aerodynamic drag on the athlete, particularly whenthe athlete is positioned in an aerodynamic “time trial” or “tucked”position on a bicycle. The athletic clothing is also useful forenhancing the performance of an athlete participating in other speedsports, including speed skating, skiing and swimming.

When positioned in the aerodynamic position, the region behind anathletes' tricep creates turbulent air flow, which substantiallycontributes to the pressure drag. Specific features and embodiments ofthe present invention reduce the turbulence created behind an athlete'stricep region, which can reduce the pressure drag and increase the speedof the athlete. The present invention also reduces the pressure dragcreated in the chest, abdomen, rib cage and neck areas of a athlete.

A first aspect of the present invention is an aerodynamic winged elementformed as part of a jersey to be worn by athlete. Another aspect of thepresent invention is a speed suit having the winged element formed inthe jersey and attached to pants.

The winged element of the invention may be incorporated as part of acycling jersey or a speed suit having either long leg coverings,three-quarter length leg coverings, or short leg coverings. Preferredembodiments of the invention incorporate the aerodynamic enhancements ofthe invention into a speed suit having a winged element incorporatedinto a jersey that is attached to short leg covering pants.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, formed as aspeed suit including a jersey mated with, and attached to, shorts. Thespeed suit 100 comprises winged elements 104 that are connected betweenthe arm sleeve 108 and the body panel 112 of the speed suit 100. Thesleeve of the aerodynamic suit of the invention can be any one of afull-length sleeve (extending from about the wearer's shoulder to aboutthe wearer's wrist), a three-quarter length sleeve (extending from aboutthe wearer's shoulder to about a mid-point of the wearer's forearm), ahalf-sleeve (extending from about the wearer's shoulder to about thewearer's elbow) or any other desired arm-length sleeve. FIG. 1illustrates a winged element 104 that creates a wing with materialthroughout the entire winged element 104. It will be understood that thewinged element may be made with only a portion of the material connectedbetween the sleeve and the body panel.

The speed suit 100 may also comprise pants 116, which may extend to anysuitable length down the leg of the athlete and which may be joined tothe speed suit 100 by any suitable means or may be formed as acontinuous fabric extension of the body panel(s) of the speed suit. Inspecific embodiments, the pants 116 may include additionalsport-specific features, such as a cycling chamois.

In specific embodiments, an optional shoe or foot cover may also beattached to the pants 116 of the speed suit 100. In additionalembodiments, an optional collar may be included in the speed suit. Inadditional embodiments, an optional hood may be included in the speedsuit for use in some speed sports.

In specific embodiments, the speed suit 100 may optionally contain oneor more ribbed components, such as ribbed components 120, depicted inFIG. 1. There may be any number of ribbed components located at anylocation on the speed suit in these embodiments.

One specific embodiment of the invention is a speed suit 100incorporating one or multiple ribbed components that act as wind tripsfor fluid passing over the torso of an athlete. In a specificembodiment, the ribbed component comprises a polymer that is adhered tothe surface of the front of a speed suit of the invention. The ribbedcomponent can be located on one side of the front panel of the speedsuit. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, ribbed components 120can be located on both sides of the front panel 126, as illustrated inFIG. 1. In one specific embodiment, the shape of the ribbed component ishemispherical with an upper radius limit of about 3 cm. In anotherspecific embodiment, the shape of the ribbed component is circular withan upper radius limit of about 3 cm. In another specific embodiment, theribbed component is a stretchable tube or a spring, such that when theathlete is standing upright, the spring expands, and when the athleteassumes an aerodynamic “tucked” position on a bicycle, the springcompresses, to hold the circular or semi-circular shape of the ribbedcomponent. The length of the ribbed component may vary depending on thetorso length of the athlete, but may be any suitable length and may beattached to the front panel at any suitable angle. In one embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1, there are two ribbed components 120 and they arepositioned approximately symmetrically about a zipper 124 approximately30 degrees from the zipper 124. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,the ribbed component 120 extends from approximately the belly button ofthe athlete to approximately the collar bone of the athlete. In oneembodiment, the ribbed component may be adhered to portions of the frontpanel. In other embodiments, the front panel may contain a ribbed sleevefor receiving the ribbed component such that the ribbed component mayslide into the sleeve during use, and may be removed from the sleeveafter use. In specific embodiments, a zipper may be located in a frontpanel in such a manner as to create a ribbed component or windbreak overthe zipper. Alternatively, the zipper may protrude from the speed suitin such a way to disrupt the flow of a fluid as it comes into contactwith the athlete or to assist in providing shape to a ribbed componenton the front panel of the jersey or speed suit. In the specificembodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the zipper 124 may be used to join twofront panels 126. Of course, alternative means of joining the panelsthat compose a jersey or speed suit may be used, including but notlimited to hook and loop (VELCRO™), buttons, snaps, and/or stitching.

In these embodiments, the winged element and configuration on the speedsuit substantially reduces air turbulence and/or aerodynamic drag by atleast one of:

i) including a winged element, that extends to the arm of the athleteanywhere between the elbow of the athlete on the bicep to the armpit ofthe athlete, and attaches to the side torso region of the athleteanywhere from the armpit of the athlete to the waist of the athlete,thus reducing, if not eliminating, the drag associated with fluidturbulence formed behind the bicep region of the athlete; and/or,

ii) including at least one ribbed component form on at least one frontpanel of the jersey or speed suit. Preferably the ribbed component isadapted to attach to the front panel such that the ribbed component isin a compressed position when the athlete is in a tuck position, butstretches or expands when the athlete leaves the tucked position, suchas by standing upright.

As described in all the embodiments of this invention, fabric panels andelements may be joined by any method for joining fabric known within theart. Useful, but non-limiting examples of joining fabric for use in theembodiments of the invention include sewing (using any appropriatestitching types and/or methods), welding, gluing, adhesive bonding,fusing, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, joining can includefasteners such as, but not limited to, zippers, hooks and loops,buttons, eyelets, and combinations thereof. More specifically, in onepreferred embodiment, the matting and joining of the front panels ontheir medial edges may comprise a zipper. The joining can be one of afull zipper, three-quarter zipper, half-zipper, or one-quarter zipper.In a preferred embodiment, the zipper is substantially, if notcompletely, recessed and/or covered to reduce, if not eliminate,turbulence and/or frictional drag created by fluid flowing over thezipper.

The fabric used to produce the jerseys or speed suits of the inventionmay be any suitable fabric material, including but not limited tomaterial that is flexible and fits tightly around the athlete's body.The material is preferably stretchable, elastic, dry-wicking,breathable, or waterproof and even more preferably, exhibitscombinations of these fabric properties. A fabric having elastic orstretchable properties means the fabric stretches and/or elongates whena tension force is applied to the fabric and when the tension force isremoved, the fabric returns to its configuration prior to theapplication of the tension force. In one configuration, the speed suitcomprises stretchable and/or elastic fabric to substantially conform tothe wearer's upper torso when the rider is an aerodynamic position.

In specific embodiments, the jersey or speed suit may include athree-dimensional dimpled material composing the entirety or individualportions of the jersey of the speed suit.

Seams used to join the fabric panels of any of the embodiments of thejersey or speed suit of the invention disclosed herein may be made usingany suitable method for joining fabric, including but not limited toheat mold, gluing, hook and loop (VELCRO™), embossed seams, weldedseams, bonded seams, adhesive seals, stitched seams, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments at least two portions of the jersey orspeed suit are shaped in a manner such that minimal seams are formed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of an embodiment of the presentinvention in which an athlete is in an aerodynamic “tucked” position ona bicycle in a speed suit 200 of the invention. Referring to FIG. 2, theforearm sleeve 207 is mated and joined to the bicep panel 230. Eachcomponent of the speed suit may contain additional seems in order toform the speed suit. For example, the forearm sleeve 207 of FIG. 2, maycontain additional seems along the forearm to form the forearm sleeve.In a specific embodiment, an optional glove may be mated and joined tothe front edge of the forearm sleeve. In another specific embodiment, anoptional thumb hole may be provided in the forearm sleeve. The biceppanel 230 is mated and joined with a portion of the back panel 234. Thebicep panel 230 is also mated and joined to the front panel 226. Thewinged element 204 is formed from the joining and mating of the biceppanel 230, the front panel 226 and the back panel 234. Dashed line 242illustrates the arm and upper torso of the athlete in the tuck positionin the speed suit 200 to more clearly distinguish the winged element 204from the body of the athlete. The winged element 204 is not flush overthe entire length of the athlete's body at the tricep, underarm or sidetorso regions. Rather, the winged element 204 is a flexible and tauntmaterial that extends from the back of the athlete's upper arm to thewaist of the athlete. The winged element 204 may extend from anywhere onthe athlete's arm, from approximately the athlete's wrist to the armpit,and end anywhere on the side of the athlete's torso, from the athlete'sarmpit to the waist of the athlete on the side torso. Changing theattachment point on either the athlete's sleeve or the attachment pointon the athlete's side body panel would keep the general shape andaerodynamic effect of the winged element while changing the size of thewinged element. In a preferred embodiment, the winged element starts atapproximately the elbow of the athlete and extends along the side torsoof the athlete to approximately midway down the side torso of theathlete. In some embodiments, the winged element 204 is also formed byjoining and mating the bicep panel 230, the front panel 204, the backpanel 234, the forearm sleeve 207 and pants 216. In still otherembodiments, back panel 234 is mated and joined with a portion of thefront panel 226 on a seam to form the winged element 204. In stillanother embodiment, back panel 234 and front panel 226 can be acontinuous piece of fabric, which form the winged element 204 withoutrequiring a seam. In another embodiment, front panel 226 and back panel234 may include additional material to incorporate the elements of biceppanel into either the front panel 226 or back panel 234 or both, suchthat a separate bicep panel is not necessary. An optional pocket panelmay be included on the jersey or speed suit and, when present, ispreferably formed on the back panel of the jersey or speed suit. Theback panel may extend and connect to pants of a speed suit. In someembodiments, the jersey or speed suit may optionally contain a collar orone or more ribbed components.

FIG. 3 illustrates another view of the speed suit 300 on an athlete inan aerodynamic position on a bicycle. Bicep panel 330, is joined to theback panel 334 and the front panel 326 and forms the winged element 304.Bicep panel 330 also joins with the forearm sleeve 307. The embodimentdepicted in FIG. 3 includes an optional collar 322 mated and joined tothe front panels 326 and back panel 334. Short pants 316 are connectedto the front panels 326 and may be connected to a back panel.Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, pants may be connectedto front panel 326 and an optional pocket panel 338.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a speed suit 400 on an athlete in anaerodynamic “tucked” position on a bicycle. Front panel 426 includes azipper 424, although it is understood that alternative means of joiningthe fabric panels forming the may be used, including but not limited tohook and loop (VELCRO™), buttons, snaps and stitching. The wingedelement 404 can be seen from the front view in FIG. 4. Bicep panel 430,forearm sleeve 407, pants 416 and collar 420 are also depicted in thisfigure. The material used for the speed suit is flexible and fitstightly around the athlete's body. More specifically, the speed suit 400substantially conforms to the wearer's forearms and back and creates thewinged element 404, with minimal, if any, wrinkles, bulges, creases,puckering, ridges, channels or combinations thereof, which maycontribute to the aerodynamic and/or frictional drags.

FIG. 5 illustrates the pattern of an aerodynamic fabric, which may beused to form all or any specific portion of the fabric panels whichcompose a jersey or speed suit of the invention disclosed herein. Thepattern of the aerodynamic fabric is a three-dimensional dimpled weavepattern that may be incorporated into panels of the speed suit. In apreferred embodiment, the aerodynamic fabric comprises a fabric having athree-dimensional dimpled weave texture that is believed to reduce dragin the same manner that the dimpled pattern of a golf ball reduces dragof an object moving through a fluid. A preferred three-dimensionaldimpled weave pattern 501 is depicted in FIG. 5. The three-dimensionaldimpled weave pattern 501 comprises a plurality of boxes 510. Each ofthe boxes 510 has a shape substantially resembling a square. Thethree-dimensional dimpled wave pattern 501 resembles a checker-boardpattern having raised 511 and lowered 513 weave components. Thethree-dimensional dimpled wave pattern 501 can be located anywhere on orin any portion of the speed suit, including but not limited to, thebicep panel, the forearm panel, the back panel and/or the front panel.In a preferred embodiment, the three-dimensional dimpled wave pattern islocated on at least the bicep panel of the speed suit.

The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components,and/or methods, substantially as depicted and described herein,including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof.Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use thepresent invention after understanding the present disclosure. Thepresent invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devicesand processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or describedherein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence ofsuch items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g.,for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost ofimplementation.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aerodynamic athletic jersey, comprising: a body panel, a forearm sleeve; and a winged element formed between the body panel and the forearm sleeve.
 2. The jersey of claim 1, further comprising pants attached to a body panel.
 3. The jersey of claim 2, wherein the pants extend to approximately the ankle of the wearer.
 4. The jersey of claim 1, wherein the winged element extends from a point between the forearm sleeve and a bicep panel to the body panel.
 5. The jersey of claim 1, wherein the forearm sleeve further comprises a glove.
 6. The jersey of claim 1, wherein the forearm sleeve further comprises a thumb loop.
 7. The jersey of claim 1, further comprising a bicep panel.
 8. The jersey of claim 7, wherein the bicep panel comprises a fabric having three-dimensional dimpled wave pattern.
 9. The jersey of claim 8, wherein a material comprising a three-dimensional dimpled weave pattern is used for the area of at least one of the winged element, the forearm sleeve and the body panel.
 10. The jersey of claim 1, wherein the winged element extends from approximately a location along a bicep region of the jersey to a location along a side of the body panel.
 11. The jersey of claim 1, wherein the body panel further comprises at least one ribbed component.
 12. The jersey of claim 11, wherein the at least one ribbed component comprises a polymer adhered to a surface of the front panel.
 13. The jersey of claim 11, wherein the at least one ribbed component is positioned symmetrically on two sides of the front panel.
 14. The jersey of claims 11, wherein the at least one ribbed component is hemispherical with an upper radius limit of about 3 cm.
 15. The jersey of claims 11, wherein the ribbed component is a tube having an upper radius limit of about 3 cm.
 16. A method for making a jersey, comprising: joining a forearm panel to a bicep panel to create a partial sleeve; joining the partial sleeve to a front panel and a back panel, wherein the back panel and the front panel are shaped to create a winged element; joining another forearm panel and another bicep panel to another front panel and back panel, wherein the other front panel and the back panel are shaped to create another winged element; and joining the front panels with a zipper.
 17. The method for making a jersey of claim 16, further comprising attaching a ribbed component to the front panels. 